LEWIS HAMILTON vowed to keep fighting as his F1 title defence hangs by a thread.
The Brit saw championship rival Max Verstappen extend his lead in the driver standings to 19 points with victory at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Hamilton finished a distant second at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez as he fought off the challenge of home hope Sergio Perez.
Now the seven-time champion has taken to Instagram with an inspirational message ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.
Posting a photo of what appears to be himself sat in a hollowed-out jet engine, Hamilton wrote: “Good morning World. I hope this new week brings you happiness and provides you with proof that you are on the right path.
“Whether things are good or bad, trust that you will come away fighting and that you will overcome whatever it may be.
“Know that all of your time, patience and hard work will pay off. Stay positive and don’t let up! You got this, I believe in you.”
Hamilton has been untouchable in recent years but this season has proven different with the phenomenal challenge of Red Bull.
The Mercedes man and his Dutch foe had traded places in the championship table up until last weekend’s race in Mexico City.
But back-to-back wins for the Red Bull driver have seen him open up a sizable gap at the top of the rankings.
The races now come thick and fast until the end of the season, with teams already heading to Sao Paulo.
After that comes the Middle East swing as F1-mad Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi host what promises to be an epic finale to the season.
